Williamstown, WV Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Williamstown, WV

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Williamstown is 92.8% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Williamstown, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 135 per 100,000 individuals, 63.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 1 property crimes, amounting to 34 per 100,000 residents, 98.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Williamstown has a crime rate of 168, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Williamstown being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

During the most recently reported crime year, Williamstown experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Williamstown records a property crime rate of 34 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Williamstown as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Williamstown stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.

Is Williamstown a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Williamstown a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Williamstown crime rate is 93% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.01 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Williamstown

Williamstown reports an unemployment rate of 1.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Williamstown crime rates.

In Williamstown, the median home price stands at $145,200, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Williamstown, the average monthly rent stands at $741, while the national average is $949 per month.

Williamstown crime map